Author's Note: Let's be honest, I've been trash to all you beautiful readers and it truly warms my heart that you've stuck by my story. This is not the end, for this is only beginning. In my absence, I have been thinking of where I want this story to go as well as how I want it to get there. I have also been working on a few other stories that will hopefully be uploaded in a few months. It has been great practice to improve my writing, which in the end benefits us all. I don't have to cringe at my writing and you have higher quality stories to read.
I hope this will be the longest chapter to date, therefore you have plenty to read.
As always, enjoy.
Author's P.O.V
Celine collapsed onto her couch with a contented sigh. Her back was scolding her for spending the entire afternoon hunched over her plants, pulling up the pesky weeds. But as she relaxed into the air conditioning with the day's novels playing out on screen, she found herself to be happy as ever, at least until there was a knock on her door.
It was not uncommon for Celine to have guests, but simply unexpected. Any one that turned up at her door usually called ahead of time, even Will, who had the knack for simply showing up at his heart's content.
With a hearty sigh, the blond woman stood from her couch and made her way to the door, where the knocks had grown impatient. Swinging the door open, she saw Clary. Or at least an older version of the girl.
"Celine, it's all your boy's fault," the angry woman fumed, pointing her finger accusingly at her friend. Of course it was Jocelyn.
"What has Jace done, Jocelyn?" she sighed, leaning against the doorframe. Then a thought came to her. Did the woman know of her daughter's crumbling marriage that was as good as over?
"He seduced my daughter and ruined her marriage!" Jocelyn screeched, her eyes wild and her hair frizzing with agitation. Celine simply watched as the woman paced the length of her front entrance.
"I'd appreciate if you did not accuse my son of things he did not do, but instead learned the true story. Simon cheated on your daughter, no matter how he tries to cut it. He ruined their marriage and my son only tried to comfort the girl he has cared for his entire life," now she was getting angry. Celine knew Jace was no angel, but she would defend him if it was necessary, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to my novels, and you need to get your facts straight,"
Celine slammed the door shut, paying no mind to Jocelyn's outraged gasp and attempts to reopen the door and the conversation that was as finished as her daughter's marriage.
Page Break
"I need something sexy that doesn't make me seem desperate," Clary huffed as Magnus once again attempted to shove a tight, short, sequenced dress into her arms. They were pretty, but simply not her. Simon would know what she was trying to do before she could even take off her coat.
"I have the perfect gown," Tessa finally exclaimed. They were once again in her boutique, though this time it was after hours. Clary had told Tessa of her plans, which prompted the girl to immediately call her down to the store for a dress.
"Have you seen them?" Magnus inquired softly as he put the dresses on hangers. Clary nodded mutely, knowing who he meant.
"Did you know, about the baby?" Clary asks. She wouldn't be shocked if he did, considering his boyfriend was Isabelle's brother.
"She told Alec a few days ago," He told the red head, "And she even asked if I would plan the baby shower," he added bitterly, shoving the dresses onto the rack with a little more force than necessary.
"You can if you want. She is basically your sister in law," Clary tried for lightness, but it came out forced and tired. It had been a really long day.
"But I don't want to," he whispered, "Alec wants me to, but I can't get over what they did to you,"
"Magnus-"
"No Clary!" he yelled, "When I moved here, they weren't the ones to bring out the welcome wagon, you were. You were the one to sit with me at lunch, no matter how pathetic we looked. The one to help me find my classes and catch up on my work," he took a shuttering breath, "Izzy only started talking to me when she saw how good I was at makeup. Alec only started talking to me when you made him. And Simon, dear lord, he still doesn't really talk to me!"
Clary nodded along, having no rebuttal for what he was saying. The truth was the truth.
"And I'll be damned if I forget that," Magnus offered her a soft grin as he pulled her into a hug, his anger and frustration forgotten, "I love you kid," he whispered to her.
"I love you too Magnus," Clary giggled, happy to know she'll always have someone as genuine and unwaveable as Magnus in her corner.
"I finally found it!" Tessa yelled from the back room, only to emerge a few moments later, holding a gown in a black garment bag. By the look of it, it would be long.
"Is that-" Magnus appeared to be in awe.
"Yes it is," Tessa beamed, bouncing on her toes.
"What?" Clary asked, taking a step forward. Without another word, Tessa whipped the zipper down, revealing a simmering gold slip of fabric. It looked simple, but the length and color made it seem grand. Clary reached out a tentative hand and grazed the material with her fingertips. It was cool to the touch and silken.
"Try it on," Magnus urged quietly from behind her. Nodding, Clary reached out, removing the black plastic covering from the gown, taking the hanger from Tessa.
"We'll be out here when you're ready," the other girl nudged Clary lightly towards her dressing room, going to sit beside Magnus on the plush waiting area benches.
Clary quickly changed into the gown, not looking into the mirror until she was fully dressed, the gown zipped and flowing out around her legs. She didn't even look as she exited the dressing room to show her two companions. The collective gasps was enough for her.
"Oh Clary," Tessa coed, standing to turn the girl to the mirror. What Clary saw made her breath catch. Never in her life had she worn something so grand. Even her wedding dress had been simple and plain, but this is dress was anything but.
"Wait," Magnus said, coming up behind her. Before Clary could fully comprehend what was happening, her bra was being tugged out from under her arm, "No bra lines," Magnus said as way of explanation.
That's when Clary turned and saw her entire back was left bare, except for tiny gold chains that ran and drooped across her pale skin, holding the two sides together.
"Oh," she whispered, her cheeks flaming at the idea of showing so much skin, "It's beautiful, but I couldn't," she told them, shaking her head.
"Yes, you can," Tessa grabbed hold of her shoulders, looking deep into her green eyes, "You are a beautiful young woman who looks amazing in this dress. You will wear it, and you will make Simon cry like the man child he is,"
The mental images were nice, Clary had to admit. She looked down at the way the fabric hugged her chest and hips, the way the golden chains glinted liked Jace's eyes. When he saw her in that dress…. That was what made up her mind. Jace had only seen her in jeans and t-shirts since they had reunited, and a small part of her wanted him to go weak at the knees, and dry in the mouth.
"Okay," she nodded.
That night, she got home late, so late that Jace was already asleep. With silent footsteps, Clary hid the dress in the back of the closet of the room that used to be hers. The shoes she had picked out were in a plain black box that she left on the floor of the closet. She changed and slipped into bed, more excited than ever to go to this exhibit opening.
Author's Note: time skip of about two weeks.
Jace woke to find his bed empty and cold. Frowning, he sat up, rubbing and residual sleep from his eyes, before they landed on a red headed figure at the end of the bed. Clary was talking lowly on her phone, still wearing the shirt he had worn the day before.
Smiling to himself, Jace sat up and crawled over to where she was sitting, wrapping his arms around her waist, inhaling her warm scent. She leans into him as Jace does this, sighing softly as she replies to whoever is on the other end.
"So you're sure we're on the list?" there was a mumbled voice through the phone, "Okay, thanks Jordan. I'll see you tomorrow night," Clary hung up the phone with a smile and tossed it onto the bed.
"Good morning," Jace whispered into the crook of Clary's neck. With a sweet shiver, she responds.
"Good morning," she turns her head to place a soft kiss to the crown of his curls, "I'm sorry if I woke you,"
"Its fine, what was that about?"
"I was just talking to my friend Jordan, he's a curator at the museum, I wanted to make sure we would be able to actually get into the unveiling, since it's usually just for those on the project and investors," Clary told him.
"And I'm guessing we're in the clear," Jace assumed.
"Yeah. He saw Simon changed his plus one and was kind of confused, since I was his wife, but when I called and explained what happened, he put me on the list with my own plus one. He always liked me better than Simon anyways," Clary chuckled.
"I'm glad it's working out," Jace was fully awake now and simply couldn't ignore how incredible Clary looked in his shirt. Placing soft kisses down the length of her neck, he pushed her down onto the bed, easily moving to hover over her.
"Oh no mister," she sat up, albeit with a shaky voice, and pushed him off her, "you have work today, and then you have to go pick up a tux for tomorrow," she stood, leaving Jace pouty and abandoned on their bed.
"Come on Clary," he moaned, making grabby hands at her waist that was just out of his reach.
"Don't look at me like that," she retorted, pointing at his big eyes and pouty lip. This only fueled his actions, knowing she could never hold long when he gave her "the look".
"Please," he whispered, also standing from bed to pull her to him.
Rolling her eyes, she smiled and placed a kiss to his lips. Then were plush and warm under her own, urging her to reach up on her tiptoes, giving him the access he craves. Sighing against her lips, Jace pulled back slightly only to grab Clary by her thighs to hoist her up onto his hips. Clary giggled as she linked her legs around his narrow waist, allowing Jace to carry her into the bathroom.
He placed her on the sink, her legs swinging as he reached for his shaving cream and razor. Before he could, Clary grabbed the canister of cream, spraying a generous amount onto her palm. Jace moved over to stand between her legs, placing his hands on either side of her thighs to allow her to reach his cheeks from her seat.
Gently, she smoothed the cream over his three day stubble, causing him to close his eyes at the feel. When she was done, she dabbed a bit on his nose before rinsing her hands in the sink. Chuckling, Jace reached for his razor. Using his left hand, he shaved while Clary played with the fingers of his right hand.
When he was done, Clary said she was going downstairs to make breakfast while he showered, but a few seconds later she popped her head back in.
"Do you know what you're going to wear?" Clary asked. Jace simply shrugged. Clary shook her head before exiting again.
When Jace stepped out of his bathroom after a long shower, he found clothes laid out on his bed. There were black pants, ironed to perfection with a crisp, starchy white shirt and an emerald tie, one he had forgotten he even owned. Jace got dressed, remembering all the times Clary had told him what to wear growing up.
"You're not my mom, you know," he used to tell her.
"I know, it's just easier dressing you than myself," had always been her response, though Jace never understood how that could be.
When he got downstairs, Clary was standing by the coffee maker, watching as it brewed a pot while a plate of eggs and bacon awaited Jace on the counter. Eggs scrambled, bacon extra crispy, just how he liked it. As he sat down, enjoying watching a relaxed Clary, she turned around.
"You look good," she told him, grabbing a mug.
"Thanks to you sweetheart," he grinned. When she came over with their coffee, he tried to pull her onto his lap, but for the first time in their lives, she resisted.
"I'll wrinkle your pants," she laughed, opting to stand between his legs as he sat on an island stool.
"What are you going to do today?" he inquired.
"I have to go to the studio. I have lots of projects to finish," she replied, her arms linking around his neck, straightening his collar as she goes.
"Do you want to meet for lunch?" he asks hopefully, not being used to being away from Clary for so long since they've gotten back together.
"Sure," she chuckled, "How about I pick up something from Taki's and bring it to your office?" she asked.
"That would be amazing, I'll make sure I don't have any meetings this afternoon," he agreed. After they finished their breakfast, the couple parted with one last kiss, Jace heading to the office and Clary up to their room to get ready for the day.
As Jace got in his car, the more practical one he used for work, he thought of how domesticated they were already, despite the newness of their relationship. He couldn't think of one bad thing about it. He enjoyed waking up to someone he loved, sharing breakfast with them, and knowing they'll be there when you get home. What made the situation all the more sweet was that it was Clary.
It seemed like he was finally getting everything he could have ever hoped and dreamed for, and he was not going to let it go.
Clary
I dressed comfortably, knowing that my day would consist of sitting in front of an easel. I fed Cornelius and let him outside to do his business before heading off to work myself. The studio is closed today, with the exception of the artists. It was quite, and when I called out, no one answered, so I knew I had the place to myself.
With a calming breath, I turned on the radio and set up the necessary paints. It had been difficult finding inspiration the past few months, but over the weeks I've been spending with Jace, there was never a dull moment. I found my fingers itching for paper and pencil every time I saw Jace, the way his lips quirked up at one side, and the way his lean body danced around the kitchen as we made dinner. He was a work of art all his own.
I had been finding myself requiring frequent trips to the art store for gold paint, considering the color was in everything I did. Gold skies, gold flowers, gold buildings…gold eyes. It was all gold, because that was Jace, and he was my muse.
Much more of a muse than brown Simon.
It was getting easier to think his name throughout the day. I no longer get the squeezing in my gut and burning behind my eyes. Now that I think of how I felt, there wasn't any true sadness. Simply I felt betrayed. Betrayed by my partner in life, my best friend, but most of all by myself. How could I not see what was being waved around right under my nose?
Regardless, it happened, and there was nothing to do about it. I hadn't heard from or seen either of them, but it was inevitable considering I would be attending the exhibit tomorrow night.
I shake my head of the thoughts and turn back to my painting. It was of a puppy, Cornelius, running across a long expanse of grassland, right to his owner that is out of focus in the image. But of course, in my heart I know its Jace.
Around two, I hear the front door of the studio open, and decide to head out for lunch. Sending a quick text to Jace, I gather my things and leave the back room, locking it behind me. As I enter the front room, I nearly ram into someone.
"I'm so sor-" I begin, but then my words catch in my throat. Standing in front of me is Mrs. Lewis, my ex mother in law.
"Clary," she sighs. She looks tired and upset, unlike the sweet, smiling woman I just saw a few months ago for her birthday. She's even wearing the cashmere scarf I bought her.
"Mrs. Lewis," I respond.
"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry for everything that has happened. I had no idea," she looks down to her shoes, seeming to be embarrassed, "I thought I raised him better," she whispered to herself.
"It's not your fault, Simon did what he did. I just can't get past that," I tell her, then a thought hits me, "Do you know about…" the question hangs.
"The baby. Yes, I do," she looks up, "My first grandchild. I just wish they had not come about through so much pain, especially to a young woman who doesn't deserve it," the older woman reached out a hand to place it on my cheek,
"I wish the child well," I choke out, turning to walk away, but then I realize this may be the last time I ever see a woman who welcomed me into her family with open, welcoming arms and know I cannot simply leave, "And of all the Lewis's, I will miss you the absolute most," I conclude.
Walking down the street, I don't look back. I keep going until I smell the coconut pancakes and coffee. Taki's is lit up brightly overhead and I duck in just as my phone buzzes.
Jace- Thanks babe. Xoxo
The word makes me chuckle in shock and I have to take a moment before responding.
Clary- No problem…babe. Xoxo
I slip the phone into my pocket and place an order for two cheeseburgers and waffle fries. I order Jace a chocolate milkshake and I take a vanilla. When the food is ready, I walk back out onto the pavement, only to realize I left my car at the studio. With a heavy sigh, I begin the short walk back, the food burning a hole in one hand and the shakes freezing the other.
When I get to my car, I look around and see Mrs. Lewis is already gone and allow the tension that has risen in my shoulders to unravel.
The drive to Jace's office is short and when I get there, the receptionist walks me to his personal office. She's a sweet old woman with wavy gray hair and hazel eyes behind small glasses that perch on her nose. I have the sudden urge to hug her, but refrain.
"There you go dear," she smiles and nods to the door we stopped in front of.
"Thank you," I call to her retreating form as I nudge the door open. I see Jace seated at his desk, sleeves rolled up to his elbows as he talks on the phone. He sees me and smiles before quickly ending the call.
"Hey," he says as I set the containers done and begin opening them up. I hand him his shake, which he thankfully sips.
"Hey," I reply. We grab our food and Jace leads me to a small couch with a low coffee table in front of it.
We enjoy our lunch together as we talk a little about the banquet and a barbecue Jace's mom will be holding the next afternoon. I decide not to talk about my surprise visit from Mrs. Lewis, knowing it was simply a goodbye. When we are finished, I'm about to walk out of Jace's office when the door is slammed shut.
Turning slightly, I see Jace mere inches from me, his arms on either side of my head as he smirks.
"No kiss?" he asks softly, looking down to my lips. I look back at his. Even in the blistering wind, his lips manage to stay just as soft and inviting as ever.
Without a single word, I loop my arms around his neck and press my lips to the corner of his mouth, earning a pained groan. I go in for a true kiss, our lips molding together, his tongue poking out softly to probe at my lips. I grant him access as his arms twine around my waist, pushing me against the door with more force than I believe to be intended.
Jace jumps slightly at the loud thump my back makes against the door, but we continue to kiss for a few minutes, his hands dancing around the hem of my shirt, his pointer finger peeking up under the fabric every now and then.
He only pulls away when his office phone begins ringing, effectively ending the moment. He tries to ignore the shrill rings, but I push lightly against his chest, not wanting him to miss anything important.
He leans his forehead against mine, rubbing his hand down the entire length of my back before placing one last chaste kiss to my lips.
"I'll be home soon," he whispers before stepping back, opening the door for me.
"I'll be waiting," I whisper in his ear, a coy smile playing at my lips. Jace groans as he shuts the door and as I'm walking away, I hear him answer the phone with a less than enthusiastic tone.